Futatsu no Sekai / Two Worlds by Robin White and Taeko Ogawa.

Having shown in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan in April-June 2025, and
Masterton, Aotearoa in June to September 2025 this is an exhibition that strongly resonates with audiences.

Originally co-curated by Gregory O’Brien the exhibition is the result of over five years of
collaboration between Dame Robin White and Hatsukaichi-based artist and calligrapher
Taeko Ogawa. The pair share an interest in global issues – including current
environmental concerns and the nuclear arms race.  2025 marked the 80th
anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so this exhibition is a call for peace.
Works in this exhibition include Robin White’s Summer Grass which reflects on the tragic
event that occurred in the Featherston prisoner of war camp on 25 February 1943, when
prisoners clashed with guards over work duties, and 48 Japanese and one New
Zealander lost their lives and Taeko Ogawa’s major work Wind of Hiroshima which was
created as a result of her work teaching hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bomb), many
of whom had missed out on a formal education for health-related reasons. As well as
helping them tell their stories, Taeko began making art which spoke of what she, in turn,
learnt from the hibakusha, and of the ongoing need for peace, justice and compassion in
the world. Also included are new works by both, including their collaborative work
Futatsu no Sekai / Two Worlds, works Robin has made with other Japanese
collaborators, as well as research and making materials that elucidate both of their
practices.

Accompanying the exhibition will be educational material developed by Wairarapa's Aratoi Museum. 

Also accompanying the exhibition is a short video courtesy of Gaylene Preston
Productions that shares visual insight into Robin and Taeko’s relationship and art making.
Taeko features heavily in the new documentary by Dame Gaylene Preston Grace: A
Prayer for Peace which examines the collaborative work of Dame Robin White.